Bring A Pet
Pet Therapy in Veteran Treatment
Solara Mental Health is recognized for its groundbreaking approach to mental health care, particularly for veterans. A key facet of this care model involves the inclusion of pets and service animals, a form of therapeutic treatment known as Pet Therapy. This resource page explores the benefits and applications of Pet Therapy at Solara Mental Health.
What is Pet Therapy?
Pet Therapy, also known as Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), involves the use of animals as a form of therapeutic intervention in mental health treatment. Studies indicate that interaction with pets can reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and loneliness, making it a valuable tool in treating mental health disorders.
The Role of Pet Therapy at Solara
At Solara, Pet Therapy is seamlessly woven into their comprehensive treatment plan. Pets and service animals are encouraged, providing comfort and companionship to veterans navigating the path to mental wellness.
Pet-Friendly Environment
Solara has created an environment where patients can bring their pets, recognizing the critical role they play in mental wellness. The presence of a pet can provide a sense of home, reducing stress and fostering a sense of calm and comfort.
Getting Started with Pet Therapy
If you’re interested in utilizing Pet Therapy as part of your treatment at Solara, reach out to our staff. We’re more than happy to assist in coordinating this aspect of your care.
Benefits of Pet Therapy for Veterans
Veterans often face unique challenges in their journey towards mental wellness. The psychological toll from experiences like combat can lead to conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Pet Therapy, as implemented at Solara Mental Health, offers specific benefits for veterans navigating these issues.
1. Alleviation of PTSD Symptoms
Pets can provide a calming influence, helping to soothe the hyperarousal often found in PTSD. Interactions with animals have been shown to release endorphins that produce a calming effect, which can help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, panic attacks, and stress.
2. Improved Mood and Reduced Depression
The companionship provided by pets can be a source of comfort and reduce feelings of isolation, a common problem among veterans. The non-judgmental, unconditional love that pets offer can help boost mood and reduce feelings of depression.
3. Socialization and Community Connection
Pets can act as social catalysts, helping veterans build connections with others. Whether it’s meeting new people during walks or participating in group therapy sessions at Solara, these interactions can help veterans strengthen their social skills and foster a sense of community.
4. Physical Activity and Health
Taking care of a pet encourages physical activity, whether it’s going for a walk or playing fetch. This physical activity can reduce stress, improve mood, and contribute to overall physical well-being.
5. A Sense of Purpose and Routine
For veterans adjusting to civilian life, pets can provide a sense of purpose and a structured routine. The responsibility of caring for a pet can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment.
By incorporating Pet Therapy in its treatment regimen, Solara provides an additional avenue for healing and recovery. This form of therapy, in conjunction with traditional mental health treatments, can greatly improve the quality of life for veterans on their path to wellness.
Collaboration with Paws for Purple Hearts
Solara partners with Paws for Purple Hearts, a nonprofit organization that trains and provides service dogs to veterans. These trained dogs can provide a multitude of benefits, from reducing anxiety to helping with physical tasks.
The Mission
PPH’s mission revolves around improving the lives of America’s Warriors facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions such as PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). The organization does this by providing the highest quality service dogs and canine-assisted therapeutic programs; and by building active communities of Warriors, trainers, and volunteers.
How PPH Works
PPH provides service dogs, free of charge, to veterans and active-duty military personnel with mobility impairments and PTSD. Their dogs are trained in a variety of tasks that can help mitigate the symptoms of mental and physical disorders.
Collaboration with Solara Mental Health
In collaboration with Solara Mental Health, PPH adds an extra layer of support for veterans undergoing treatment. The presence of these trained service dogs within Solara’s facilities provides additional comfort and assistance to those in need, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the therapeutic programs.
Supporting Paws for Purple Hearts
Support for PPH can come in various forms, from monetary donations to volunteering. Every bit of support goes a long way in assisting this commendable mission of aiding our brave veterans.
The partnership between Solara Mental Health and Paws for Purple Hearts epitomizes a holistic approach to mental health care that recognizes the profound impact of animal-assisted therapy. With their combined efforts, they continue to transform the lives of veterans, one service dog at a time.
Pet Therapy for Veterans at Solara
Solara Mental Health is an Animal-Friendly Facility, we allow our veterans to bring their pets with them to treatment. Most of our staff are pet lovers, themselves, who understand the emotional bond between owners and pets. We also understand the therapeutic benefits that a pet can provide, while one is receiving treatment, such as relief of anxiety, stress, depression, and loneliness. Research indicates that a pet can also increase a sense of purpose, accountability, and selflessness.
Our aim is to minimize our patients’ concerns and maximize the benefits of their treatment experience, which can be achieved with a pet companion, in many instances.
The Residences at our San Diego Mental Health Center have special accommodations designated for those who would like to bring their pet to our program. There is an additional cost for pets, as well as certain limitations on pet size, type, etc. and availability is limited.
For more information and space availability, contact us.
